Fake Microsoft Helpdesk Calls Aim To Install Malware on PC

Scammers have been targeting Microsoft customers since the very first day — The only change in their tactic is that it’s getting sophisticated every day.

Cyber scammers have found a new way of placing malware in a user’s PC, what they are doing is calling users as Microsoft tech support and are telling them that there is a malware on their PC and require an urgent fix.

Calls transferred to India

This new scam was unveiled by the researchers from Tripwire, who found scammers making use of “robo calls” for scamming the users. Once the user has answered the call, the call is transferred to India where a worker directs on what he should do to get rid of the malware which in reality are the steps for installing the malware on the system.

What is the malware about?

While analyzing the malware the scammers were trying to input into user’s PCs, the researchers found they were aimed for stealing user’s financial data like login credentials of online banking and credit card details.

“Most people simply don’t imagine that a cyber attack can be initiated over the phone, but these scams ultimately lead to malware being installed on your computer,” One of the researchers (Bailey) told to the SC Magazine.

Warning from the Police:

The Tuolomne County Sheriff’s Department has also warned people about these scam calls. The department said people are receiving fraudulent calls from callers impersonating Microsoft employees to gain access to home computers.

Script reader knows nothing

Bailey further told that the worker who was fixed for reading the script may not know that he is helping the user in installing malware to his PC. Because when problems on any user’s system deviated from the actual script, the worker got confused and didn’t have any idea on how to handle the situation.

How to stay away?

Bailey also talked about some precautions for the Microsoft’s users which should be kept in mind when you are receiving any such call.

HACKREAD is a News Platform that centers on InfoSec, Cyber Crime, Privacy, Surveillance and Hacking News with full-scale reviews on Social Media Platforms & Technology trends. Founded in 2011, HackRead is based in Milan, Italy.